adjusting lifters

[wc63]

i have a 66 gmc with a 305 v6. it seems like the lifters need tightening cause there's a rattle in the valve covers. is there a specific way if tightening them with a gauge or can i just hold a stethoscope to each bolt until they all sound the same, like i saw my father do years ago. any help is appreciated.
adrian

[Sick5]

I normaly do it by ear.

[markeb01]

The ticking sound you're hearing is the solid lifters and is normal, unless they are badly out of adjustment. Per the specs at the link below (under tune up specifications) it appears all GMC V6's came with solid lifters. I cannot find any reference indicating hydraulic lifters were ever offered in this engine.

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/EngineData.htm

Hydraulic lifters can be adjusted by ear by backing off the rocker arm until the lifter starts clicking, slowly tightened until the ticking stops, then tighten either 1/2 or 1 full turn further.

Solid lifters must be adjusted with a feeling gauge between the valve tip and the rocker arm. The recommended method is with the engine running at normal operating temperature. Set the clearance to 0.012" on all intake valves, and 0.018" on the exhaust valves.

[wc63]

thanks for the quick response folks. markbo1 theres a lot of info in that sight. ill be sure to look up those specs when i do the work, hopefully this weekend, ill let you guys know how it turns out. on a side note, sick5 did u bolt on a 400 tranny to a 305v6 or is that a ford engine? just curious.